Military History

Edmund is listed as dying on 28 Apr 1918 whilst a Prisoner of War.

Red Cross records state that Edmund was captured at Estaires 10 Apr 1918 and held at Langensalza POW Camp, in Bad Langensalza, Germany where he appears to have died. So far we have not been able to establish an exact cause of death, although it will have been as a result of wounds incurred - see below.

The war diary actually states that Edmund was killed in action on 10th/11th April. The diary is transcribed below.

Neuf Berquin - 10th April: Arrived Neuf Berquin about 11am. remained in Billets there until 5pm. During stay an enemy plane was brought down by D Coy. Battalion moved off shortly after 5pm to take a position between Estaires and Steenwercke where the enemy had broken through. Disposition of battalion A, D ,B & 2 platoons of C Coy (from left to right). S.W.B’s [South Wales Borderers] on the left of Battn.
2/Lieut J. Maitland 3/KOSB & 10 O.R joined.

Firing Line - 11th April:

The enemy attacked in overwhelming force about 6am. B,C & D Coys met the attack with A Coy in reserve. The Unit on the right fell back and B,C & D Coys were practically surrounded. The remnants of the division were compelled to retire and did so fighting stubbornly. During the night A Coy made & held a number of Posts.

Casualties:

A/Major J H Muir 17^th Lancers, 2^nd in Command; Capt C H Crawshaw, MC; 2/Lieuts W M Smith; J H Lawson; S Morgan, I.E.S Pasley & W.F. Stewart all wounded.

Lieut H C Rooke, 2/Lieut G.G. Doughty & 2/Lieut E.C.I Crofts killed. Captain R.M Shorter wounded and missing.

2/Lieuts N.E Henderson; W.C. Taylor; U.A Bond & A.WE. Robb missing

Other Ranks – Killed 17; wounded 207 and missing 248. END